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Paraprofessional Exam

 

Student Enrollment

The Paraprofessional/Instructional Assistant (IA) exam assesses a candidate's knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, instructing reading, writing and mathematics; and was developed to meet compliance requirements for paraprofessionals pursuant to the Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA). Paraprofessionals who work at schools receiving Title I funds and whose duties include instructional support must be “highly qualified”, meaning that they have:

  1. High school diploma or the equivalent, and
  2. Two years of study at an institute of higher education equivalent to 48 semester units; or
  3. A.A. degree (or higher), or
  4. California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST); or
  5. Passage of a local assessment "Paraprofessional Exam" demonstrating knowledge of, and the ability to, assist in the instruction of reading, writing and mathematics.

California Education Code 45330 requires that no person shall be assigned to assist in instruction as a paraprofessional unless the person has demonstrated proficiency in basic reading, writing and mathematics skills up to or exceeding that required for high school seniors in the local high schools.

Passage of the exam will satisfy both the requirements of the California Education Code, as well as the federal Elementary and Secondary Act legislation.

Need to register for the paraprofessional/IA exam?

Tulare County Office of Education (TCOE) – CLICK HERE to access the testing schedule and registration information available to all prospective candidates.

Once a test-taker passes the exam, he/she will be e-mailed a letter certifying passage of the exam. This letter of certification can then be presented to VUSD upon application for employment.

Visalia Adult School

*ONLY available to ProYouth/Expanded Learning candidates. Once a test-taker passes the exam, he/she will be contacted by ProYouth Human Resources.

Need help preparing to take the exam?

Paraprofessional Exam Tutorial
Paraprofessional Exam Study Guide
Sample Paraprofessional Exam - Math
High School Exit Exam - Math
High School Exit Exam - English